Brian Harman, an American golfer, has come forward with a distressing story involving a near-drowning event that put his six-year-old son in danger and left a family friend in a coma.

The incident took place on October 13 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, while Harman, 37, was playing in a golf tournament in China. Cathy Dowdy, a family friend, suffered severe injuries while attempting to rescue Harman’s son, who was caught in a particularly strong riptide.

“My son was out boogie boarding with a close friend when he got pulled out to sea by a rip current,” Harman explained on Tuesday before The RSM Classic in St. Simons Island, Georgia, where he is currently sitting in 80th place after shooting par in the first round.

He added: “(Cathy Dowdy) tried to reach my son. He’s only six. She couldn’t get to him. She has been in a coma for nearly six weeks, and our lives have definitely been turned upside down.”

Fortunately, a man named Crane Cantrell was walking by the beach and successfully pulled Harman’s son to safety. Luckily, a lifeguard managed to reach Dowdy, provide CPR, and get her to the hospital as per the St. Johns Citizen.

As of Monday, Dowdy is still on a ventilator, according to updates posted on a GoFundMe page created to assist with her medical bills.

The 2023 Open Championship winner commended the bravery displayed by Dowdy and Cantrell, who risked their safety to help his son, one of the three children he shares with his wife, Kelly Van Slyke.

“I wanted to highlight what Cathy and Crane did,” Harman expressed. “They risked their own lives to save my son, and I’m unsure how to express my gratitude. Their courageous act of selflessness for someone else is one of the most beautiful things you can do.”

Harman finished by saying, “We refer to them as family friends, but they are family. We stand by them through this and greatly appreciate everyone who has supported us. Please keep Cathy in your thoughts and prayers.”

The GoFundMe for Dowdy has raised over $84,000 by Thursday afternoon.